Everything you need to know from renovations to promotions

After their inaugural first season in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) in 2021, The Norwich Sea Unicorns are back for the 2022 season.

Originally rebranded from the Connecticut Tigers, Norwich was set to be the Low-Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. This was changed when Major League Baseball elected to cut 42 teams from affiliation with the Sea Unicorns being one of the teams listed.

With uncertainty for the team's future, the Sea Unicorns were picked up by the Futures League just in time for season play. Founded in 2011, the Futures League has attracted more than two million spectators and is regarded as New England's most prestigious collegiate baseball league, rivaling that of the Cape Cod League.

What separates the Futures League from others is the way games are operated. All games that are tied after ten innings will go into a home run derby to decide the winner. The season runs late May to August providing some of the best young talent on the east coast.

Having over 150 former league players drafted by MLB franchises, the league is the stepping stone to the show. Jayvien Sandridge was Norwich’s first player to receive a contract last season, signing with the Cincinnati Reds before even playing a game with the Sea Unicorns. Colton Bender, who played in 12 games during the Sea Unicorns inaugural season was selected by the San Diego Padres as a 10th round pick in 2021.

During the off-season, the Sea Unicorns have been busy with stadium renovations and exciting new editions that the people of Norwich and beyond can look forward to.

Starting with the BBQ pavilion in left field, overgrown bushes have been removed creating a full view of the field. The deck itself is being completely refurbished and stained accordingly just in time for the 2022 season.

Underneath the overflow pavilion, road mills were used to pave the seating area underneath the Philly’s barn.

In the luxury suites above the stadium, the main lighthouse suite and one other as of now have had rugs removed and concrete floors stained.

Many areas of the stadium are receiving a fresh coat of paint with most of the gates at Dodd having been fixed and all signage updated.

Besides the stadium's updated appearance, fans can look forward to a variety of promotions. Red Sox legend Bill “Spaceman” Lee will be at Dodd Saturday, June 11th signing autographs and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. There will also be a personal meet and greet with Mr. Lee for up to 35 people.

All six Friday home games will have a post-game fireworks display presented by Liberty Banks, including opening night Memorial Day, Monday, May 30th and Saturday, July 2nd.

Just like past years, we will be honoring our first responders June 24th. Military appreciation night will be July 29th with a pregame celebration for the military all-stars; more information will be announced soon.

The Sea Unicorns will grace the Dodd Stadium diamond a total of 32 times this season and 32 on the road. The majority of Monday through Saturday home games will have a new start time of 6:30. Exceptions to this will be Monday, July 4th at 1:00. Wednesday July 13th, and August 3rd will be 11:00 starts. Sunday, June 12th will be a 1:30 start, July 10th, 5:00 start with the remaining Sundays being 4:00 starts. All Sundays, kids will have the opportunity to run the bases post game presented by Ben & Jerrys.

The Sea Unicorns are looking forward to seeing all of you back in the stadium during the summer of 2022 and we are hoping for a successful run in our second Futures League season.